Evansville, Indiana: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes — two layers in Chapter 5.20. Nobody may peddle or offer goods house to house or door to door, or take orders for immediate or future delivery, without a license (5.20.010(A)), and nobody over 16 may solicit orders door to door for future delivery of goods or services without first registering with the police (5.20.040). The license is not transferable (5.20.010(D)). Registration is waived for a business that has had a regular place of business in the city for the preceding 12 months, and for anyone soliciting for it (5.20.080).
• Where it comes from: The license comes from the City Controller's Office, License Clerk, Civic Center Complex, Room 300 (5.05.010(A); city application). The registration is on a Police Department application blank, which the Police Department stamps approved (5.20.050, 5.20.060). The city's application says applicants are then sent to the Evansville Police Department, which issues a picture identification card if approved.
• Fee: Per the general fee schedule (5.05.060), a peddler on foot ("All other peddlers") pays $5.00 annually or $3.00 semiannually; a peddler selling from a wagon, cart or motor vehicle pays $50.00 annually or $30.00 semiannually. The city's application repeats both lines and adds police fees: Limited Criminal History Check Fee $10.00 and fingerprinting fee $10.00, paid by money order to the Evansville Police Department. The code sets no separate fee for the police registration in 5.20.040.
• Hours you may knock: Chapter 5.20 sets no knocking hours. None were found in Chapter 5.05 either.
• What the rep carries: The stamped credentials, in his possession at all times while soliciting, shown on request to any law enforcement officer or any purchaser or prospective purchaser (5.20.070). The city application says the police issue a picture identification card if approved.
• What takes the time: A limited criminal history check and fingerprints at the Evansville Police Department, with state-issued ID (city application). The police do not have to approve anyone convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or a violation of the chapter (5.20.060). The registration form asks for a physical description, the employer's address, the goods sold, arrest and conviction history, and a recent photograph (5.20.050). No processing time is published.
• Code: Evansville Municipal Code Chapter 5.20 — Peddlers and Solicitors (5.20.010 to 5.20.090); fees in Chapter 5.05 — Licensing (5.05.060). Code Publishing says the code is current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026.
• Worth knowing: Licenses expire December 31 of the year issued (5.20.010(A), 5.05.030), and a registration period may not run past December 31 (5.20.050(A)(6)). Registration is not a permit to enter privately policed areas (5.20.030).
• Read it yourself: Evansville Municipal Code Chapter 5.20 — Peddlers and Solicitors · Evansville Municipal Code Chapter 5.05 — Licensing · City of Evansville — Peddlers and Solicitors License application · checked 21 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• Whether a rep taking orders for a future service (not goods on hand) needs the Controller's license, the police registration, or both
• Whether the $5.00 "All other peddlers" line is the one that applies to a rep on foot
• Whether any knocking hours apply, and how long the police check takes

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________